Kevin Harvick earned his third consecutive win in the TicketGuardian 500 at ISM Raceway. Unlike his two previous Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories, Harvick’s win was far from certain, leading only 38 of the 312 laps at the one-mile racetrack. After struggling to gain and maintain track position, Harvick beat Kyle Busch off pit road during the final green flag pit stop and cruised to his third victory of the 2018 NASCAR season.
This win was a statement to NASCAR, and all the fans who scrutinized his win last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after a rear window brace failure caused officials to induce penalties for the Stewart-Haas Racing team. In victory lane, Harvick commented about the criticism his team received throughout the week, stating “All you haters, I see you.”
NOTES FROM ISM RACEWAY
Stewart-Haas Reaches New Heights
For the first time in team history, Stewart-Haas Racing placed all four race teams inside the Top 10 at ISM Raceway. The Ford Performance team carries a force of momentum after winning three straight races while having multiple cars running inside the Top 10 consistently. The four Stewart-Haas Racing teams finished:
Kevin Harvick – 1st
Clint Bowyer – 6th
Aric Almirola – 7th
Kurt Busch – 10th
Chevy Camaro ZL1 Continues to Struggle
Another race weekend, another undesirable performance for the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 teams. Chase Elliott was the only Chevy driver to place inside the Top 10, finishing the race in 3rd in his NAPA Camaro. After a strong qualifying effort on Friday, the Chevy teams faded throughout the race, only obtaining the lead through strategy on pit stops to gain track position.
Top Performing Fantasy Picks
A Class: Kyle Busch – 17% Started / 58 Points
B Class: Kurt Busch – 12% Started / 45 Points
C Class: Aric Almirola – 17% Started / 30 Points
D Class: A.J. Allmendinger – 19% Started / 16 Points
